When you finish studying this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the relationship between philosophy and education.
2. Identify essential characteristics of the following systems of educational philosophy: idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and postmodernism.
3. Identify essential characteristics of the following educational theories: perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, and critical theory.
4. Describe how educational philosophies and theories affect schools' statement of purposes and goals, curriculum, instruction, and values.
5. Analyze such issues as educational quality, equity, and standards in philosophical perspective.
6. Begin to develop your own philosophy of education.

Focus and Refocus Questions:

When you finish studying this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions from your textbook:

Focus Questions

• What are the subdivisions of philosophy, how are they defined, and how do they reflect my beliefs and my teaching about truth and values?
• What are the leading philosophies and theories of education?  Are certain philosophies and theories present in my educational experiences?  Do these philosophies help me examine and reflect on my beliefs about knowledge and my practice of ethical values in the school and classroom?
• How do philosophies and theories of education influence curriculum and teaching and learning in schools, including what is claimed to be true in the curriculum, methods of instruction, teachers' ethical relationships with students and with each other, and attitudes toward cultural diversity?
• How do contemporary trends in education, such as the standards movement and the growing importance of educational technology, affect my overall philosophy of education?

Refocus Questions

• Which area of philosophy most influences you as a teacher: metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, or logic? Why?
• What elements of idealism have you noticed in classes you've had? What elements of this position are most immediately appealing to you as a teacher? Which are least appealing? Why?
• As you reflect on your own education, do you recall any instances of Realism? As you reflect on your own educational beliefs, do you find any similarities to Realist philosophy?
• Pragmatism has had a significant influence on education in America. What influences of this philosophy can you identify in your own educational experiences? How do you feel about carrying these influences into your own teaching?
• Can you recall any influences of existentialism in your own education? What place does this philosophy hold in your plans for teaching?
• Can you recall any influences of postmodernism in your own education? What place does this philosophy hold in your plans for teaching?
• Progressive influences are strong in many American schools. Would you like to teach in such a school? Why?
• How can critical theory influence how you, as a teacher, address issues of cultural diversity in your classroom? What is the Critical theorist strategy for teacher empowerment?
• Did your own educational experiences include strong influences from perennialism? How do you think this theory will influence your teaching?
• In what ways do you believe that your teaching will be affected by the essentialist-influenced trend toward increased use of standardized testing?